PRINCIPAL QUALITY TECHNICIAN - SR. QUALITY TECHNICIAN - Mechanical Systems - Quality Control

Southwest Research Institute; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign‑on bonus $500

Job summary

Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, TX seeks a Quality Technician to inspect complex, tight‑tolerance components and own their dimensional integrity. You will develop and maintain CALYPSO/CMM programs and work with machinists, engineers, and management to drive continuous improvement in quality and efficiency.

The role requires hands‑on experience with Zeiss CMMs, CALYPSO software, GD&T, and reading blueprints. A security clearance is possible; a valid driver’s license is required.

Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Relevant technical training and substantial on‑the‑job experience in quality inspection.
• 5‑15 years: Quality inspection experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably with precision machined components.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T.
• Hands‑on experience programming with CALYPSO software and operating Zeiss CMMs.
• Experience with CALYPSO Freeform and Curve add‑ons are a plus.
• Experience working in a job shop or high‑mix, low‑volume custom manufacturing environment is a plus.
• A valid/clear driver’s license is required.

Responsibilities

• Perform first‑article, in‑process, and final inspections using precision measurement tools to verify conformance to requirements.
• Conduct and document FAIs and review manufacturing documentation for accuracy and compliance.
• Create, maintain, and troubleshoot Zeiss CMM programs and perform first‑article, in‑process, and final inspections.
• Interpret inspection data, develop methods for complex tight‑tolerance features, and support continuous improvement in inspection efficiency and accuracy.
• Complete and maintain inspection reports, quality records, and traceability documentation, and assist with calibration control.
• Identify and track nonconforming material, support root cause and corrective actions, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support production with in‑process inspections, trend analysis, and collaboration while identifying nonconforming material and aiding corrective actions.
• Assist with audits, safety, and cross‑functional teamwork to ensure quality and customer requirements are met.
• Ability to use quality specific experience and knowledge to apply in decision making scenarios and work autonomously in requiring the direction of tasks and prioritization of projects.

Skills

GD&T

CMM programming

Calypso software

Blueprint reading

Quality inspection

Education

High school diploma

Technical training

Tools

Zeiss CMM

CALYPSO

CALYPSO Freeform

Job description

Who We Are

We are R&D problem-solvers providing independent, premier services to government and industry clients; since 1947 we work toward the betterment of humankind, pushing the boundaries of science and technology to develop solutions. As a Quality Technician in Applied Power Division, you’ll inspect custom components for critical R&D projects, working directly with machinists and engineers in a hands‑on lab environment. Ability to obtain a security clearance is required. By joining our team, you will receive an additional $500.00 in your first paycheck (minus applicable taxes).

Who We Are

We are R&D problem-solvers providing independent, premier services to government and industry clients; since 1947 we work toward the betterment of humankind, pushing the boundaries of science and technology to develop solutions. As a Quality Technician in Applied Power Division, you’ll inspect custom components for critical R&D projects, working directly with machinists and engineers in a hands‑on lab environment. Ability to obtain a security clearance is required. By joining our team, you will receive an additional $500.00 in your first paycheck (minus applicable taxes).

Role

Objectives of this Role:

• Ensure every part we ship meets the highest standards of our customers by owning the quality and dimensional integrity of complex, tight-tolerance components.
• This role has a direct impact on customer satisfaction, company reputation, and product performance.
• Leverage your inspection expertise, GD&T skills, and Zeiss CMM programming abilities to take ownership of complex dimensional verification.
• You’ll independently develop and maintain CMM programs that ensure precision, reliability, and confidence in every component we produce.
• Work closely with production, engineering, and management to support quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement throughout the division.
• Bring positivity, strong expertise, and a team‑first mindset. Ready to learn new skills, take on challenges, and support the broader team wherever quality and problem‑solving are needed.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:

• Perform first‑article, in‑process, and final inspections using precision measurement tools to verify conformance to requirements.
• Conduct and document FAIs and review manufacturing documentation for accuracy and compliance.
• Create, maintain, and troubleshoot Zeiss CMM programs and perform first‑article, in‑process, and final inspections.
• Interpret inspection data, develop methods for complex tight‑tolerance features, and support continuous improvement in inspection efficiency and accuracy.
• Complete and maintain inspection reports, quality records, and traceability documentation, and assist with calibration control.
• Identify and track nonconforming material, support root cause and corrective actions, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support production with in‑process inspections, trend analysis, and collaboration while identifying nonconforming material and aiding corrective actions.
• Assist with audits, safety, and cross‑functional teamwork to ensure quality and customer requirements are met.
• Ability to use quality specific experience and knowledge to apply in decision making scenarios and work autonomously in requiring the direction of tasks and prioritization of projects.

Requirements:

• Requires a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Relevant technical training and substantial on‑the‑job experience in quality inspection.
• 5‑15 years: Quality inspection experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably with precision machined components.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T.
• Hands‑on experience programming with CALYPSO software and operating Zeiss CMMs.
• Experience with CALYPSO Freeform and Curve add‑ons are a plus.
• Experience working in a job shop or high‑mix, low‑volume custom manufacturing environment is a plus.
• A valid/clear driver’s license is required.

Requirements

Special Requirements:

Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Applicant must be a U.S. citizen.

Job Locations: San Antonio, Texas

For more information about this division, visit the Applied Power home page.

For benefits information at our San Antonio location, click here .

For benefits information at all other locations, click here .